The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Brandt at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisors Brandt and Peterson, Sheriff Dahl, and two residents were in attendance.

Motion by Peterson, seconded by Brandt to accept the minutes of the May 12th Board Meeting as presented. Carried unanimous.

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl spoke to the board and gave update on activity in the township & county. Topics discussed included gun permits, medical marijuana, methamphetamines & heroin, high-speed drivers, texting drivers, and property crimes. Supervisor Brandt asked about animal control and how to handle complaints. Dahl explained that animals must be under the control of owners at all times and the department will respond to reports of nuisance animals. Dahl also spoke of the department’s “self-initiated incidents” where officers are being visible and working with the public as much as possible so residents & visitors know the officers are out and on patrol in the area. An example of this is the spot checks that deputies conduct at the town hall.

Supervisor Brandt presented the Road and Bridge report as follows:

1. The maintenance crew had completed most of the spring brooming.
2. Mowing of road right of ways will begin soon.
3. Continued regular clean-ups at transfer station.
4. Trees had been removed on north side of building in preparation for landscaping work.
5. A new zero-turn mower has been delivered. The guys are happy with it and feel it will save time keeping park & grounds maintained.
6. Brandt had completed an agreement with the new DNR officer to allow his patrol boat to be stored at the maintenance building as needed.
7. Resident Bob McGee had agreed to move garage built within road right of way.
8. Brandt had responded to complaints of noise from neighbors rooster. There is no prohibition to keeping roosters, but owner had agreed to fit rooster with device to stop its crowing.
9. The resurfacing and upgrade of CSAH 134 road surface will begin on 8/15/14. Work on moving utilities has already begun.
10. Brandt described situation with garden inside cul-de-sac loop at end of Old Whiskey Road. Original agreement to keep garden needs to be updated/renewed. Has spoken with residents in area and will work to put agreement in place on trial basis to make sure area is maintained to allow for safe access and travel. A one-way sign will be placed at entrance of the loop.
11. Residents in the Harbor Lane area are working to establish a walking path. Motion by Brandt, second by Peterson to work with Crosslake to move the project forward. Carried unanimous.
12. Brandt had spoken with Mike Schwieters of Boyd Lodge to confirm their plan to move the signage placed in road right of way.
13. There were no safety incidents.

Dick Wilske asked about the county’s plans for resurfacing CSAH 16. Brandt explained that the portion from Peoria Road to CSAH 39 will be done in 2015 and the section from CSAH 39 to CSAH 66 in 2016.

Chief Clasen presented the fire department report as follows:

1. There had been 1 grass fire, 1 false alarm, and 1 medical calls during May. Total year to date is 34.
2. Clasen explained situation with the helipad at Station II. It was inspected and is registered with the FAA at its current size of 100’ square, so he felt it could not be made smaller. Supervisor Peterson presented FAA documents which suggested it only needed to be 50’ square. Clasen will confirm with his contacts. Brandt will proceed with crack sealing the pad for this year.
3. Clasen asked if asphalt could be extended around fuel tanks at Station II to allow more room for trucks to maneuver. Brandt agreed to investigate possibilities.
4. Chief Clasen asked about the status of the agreement to allow North Ambulance to stage at the fire hall. Brandt has been in contact with them and is waiting for their review of the documents.
5. There were no safety incidents.

Supervisor Brandt discussed the progress with the FireWise program. He is preparing for a meeting with leaders of area lake associations to explain program and ask them to pass on the information to their members.

Brandt discussed the situation of the fire contract with Timothy Township. They had asked for a review of the contract language regarding indemnification. The township attorney had reviewed the current & suggested contracts and felt it was up to the board to decide. He felt that the new contract should be completed with services provided and the cost calculation for comparison by the board. Once the information is inserted, the clerk will forward to Peterson & Clasen for review.

The clerk reported that the process of getting confirmed as a government entity for the purposes of purchasing equipment from Apple, Inc for the fire department was underway. Clasen will confirm the purchase list.

The new fire truck spec document was discussed. Brandt asked for a change in the wording regarding the township right of refusal. Clasen will update document and forward to clerk.

The clerk asked for confirmation of the locations of the electrical drop cords to be installed.

Wilske asked about the classroom and whether the fire department members’ photos would be put back up. Clasen said they will get them back up.

The Transfer Station/Recycling Center report was as follows:

1. Supervisor Wortham & Brandt had attended a meeting at the county regarding funding for the recycling program for 2015.
2. Brandt reported that users were putting garbage on the brush pile which must be separated. Attendant will be asked to monitor.
3. The county had picked up the electronics and hazardous materials.
4. Brandt motioned to purchase an air conditioner for the station office, second by Peterson. Carried unanimous.
5. The text of an ad promoting the recycling drop off was approved and will be run as soon as possible.
6. The cardboard bin was discussed as it is often overflowing. Brandt will have sign made so that one of the garbage bins can be used for cardboard as needed.
7. The clerk reported that a check had been returned for insufficient funds. A discussion of the returned check policy took place. Brandt suggested a sign to remind users that phone number is required on all checks and that a $25 handling fee will be added to returned checks. Motion by Brandt, second by Peterson to establish the handling fee. Carried unanimous.

The Park and Recreation report was as follows:

1. Replacement outlet covers have been installed.
2. The “Ideal Walk” panels have been received and will be installed along the sidewalk to the museum on the coming Wednesday.
3. One of the trees on the corner is dead and should be replaced. Peterson will check into options.
4. Working on plans for landscaping around town hall addition and had met with one contractor who will prepare an estimate for the work.

Brandt reported on the recent restoration work at the Big Island Rec Area and thanked all the volunteers who participated. The work went well.

Brandt reported on the recent WAPOA Annual Meeting held at the town hall. He felt the group was satisfied and happy with the addition and other work completed on the hall. He suggested that a “Restrooms” sign be added above the hallway door.

Brandt had contacted the auditor to develop a policy regarding criteria & documentation of expense claims submitted to the township. She is researching and will forward recommendations.

All Board members and the clerk are scheduled to attend the MN Association of Townships training sessions in Walker on June 25th.

Supervisor Brandt reported on Planning & Zoning issues:

1. Larson variance for drainfield in bluff area. Brandt recommends installing the drainfield in the adjacent property.

Motion by Peterson, second by Brandt to accept the treasurer’s report for May as presented. Report includes receipts #4660 through #4674 totaling $16,425.42 and disbursements #PERA050214 through #SVC053014 for total of $46,760.9. Carried unanimous.

Motion by Brandt, second by Peterson to approve the June claims as presented; claims #19215 through #19249 totaling $24,393.05. Carried unanimous.

The clerk asked the board to approve the list of election judges as on file in the clerk’s office. Motion by Brandt, second by Peterson. Carried unanimous.

Discussion of electrical work to be done at town hall including an estimate by Jim’s Electric to move the electric meter to the building wall for $1925 plus $250 for Crow Wing Power. Motion by Peterson, second by Brandt. Carried unanimous. Will be added to scheduled work to be completed during first 2 weeks of July.

Discussion of protecting the air conditioners on north side of building from snow & ice from roof. Motion by Peterson, second by Brandt to construct a lean-to over the equipment. Brandt will discuss with contractor to see if costs can be covered under the addition construction contract.

Peterson reported on his attendance at the MN Association of Townships Legislative Resolutions meeting. The clerk distributed the MN Association of Townships member cards to the board members. Peterson reported on suggestions to nominate Ideal as Township of the Year with the association.

There being no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm.

John Plein,
Ideal Township Clerk
June 24th, 2014